By Running Post
Author: Abdul Jabbar
As the specter of U.S. tariffs looms large, the BC political landscape has divided into rival camps, with BC Conservative Party Leader John Rustad and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith calling for diplomacy, while BC NDP Premier David Eby pushes for a firm retaliatory stance. Growing divisions underscore the challenges in forming a united front against threats from a former U.S. President Donald Trump who has often threatened Canada’s trade policies and even its sovereignty.
The debate shows a political atmosphere that runs pretty deep in polarization. Rustad criticized Eby’s approach as too aggressive, saying he is adding fuel to the fire. “Threatening a trade war isn’t a solution,” Rustad was quoted as saying in a video message Sunday where he mentioned Eby’s tariff retaliation threat against Trump if the latter pushes his threats. Eby earlier made it clear that BC stands ready to join other provinces in imposing countermeasures, should these be needed.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has opted for a rather different approach – direct negotiations with Trump to ensure the protection of her province’s oil and gas sector. In contrast, most Canadian premiers have come forward in support of a single, unified “Team Canada” approach. Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe, for example, while opposed to retaliatory tariffs, confirmed his commitment to a collective approach.
Trump has justified his tariff threats as a concern with border security and Canada’s trade surplus, such as the low-cost oil and gas exports that Canada provides to the U.S. He also famously suggested Canada should become America’s 51st state – a statement universally condemned as an affront to Canadian sovereignty.
University of British Columbia political science lecturer Stewart Prest noted that Rustad’s comments align with Smith’s narrative, suggesting Trump’s grievances are valid. Prest cautioned, however, that turning this trade dispute into a partisan battle between left and right risks deepening divisions.
BC Finance Minister Brenda Bailey, in a recent interview, suggested targeting Republican-led states with retaliatory tariffs to pressure Trump’s base. While provinces lack the power to impose tariffs, Bailey’s remarks have drawn criticism. Prest warned that such an approach risks framing the issue as an ideological conflict, which could escalate tensions.
“Positioning this as a left-versus-right battle is dangerous and divisive,” Prest explained.
While Smith’s supporters credit her direct negotiations with delaying Trump’s tariff actions, economist Werner Antweiler argues that the collective strength of Canadian premiers and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has likely been more effective. “Unity is Canada’s strength in dealing with these threats,” said Antweiler, who teaches at UBC’s Sauder School of Business.
David Eby says that Rustad has failed to denounce the acts of Trump. “British Columbians deserve leadership that stands united against these tariffs,” Eby said. “We must make it clear to the U.S. that such measures are unacceptable and will have consequences.”
However, Rustad has called out Eby’s administration of politicizing the issue by taking a partisan angle and targeting states led by the Republicans. “Targeting Republican states is irresponsible and risks turning this into a partisan issue,” Rustad stated in a social media post a few days back. “We need a balanced, non-partisan approach to resolve this crisis.”
A new direction in conservatism
Rustad and Smith’s responses represent a growing trend in Canadian conservative politics, more aligned with the “Make America Great Again” ideology of Trump. This new wave of conservatism has embraced socially conservative policies and populist rhetoric, marking a move away from the more traditional conservative values.
Federal Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has treaded carefully in these waters, seeking to appeal to both Trump supporters and traditional conservative voters. While critical of Prime Minister Trudeau, Poilievre has sounded like Trump in his nationalist rhetoric, calling for a “Canada first” approach and labeling Trump a “highly successful businessman.”
Poilievre has remained relatively quiet on Trump’s tariff threats, focusing instead on domestic issues like border security. In a recent statement, he criticized the Liberal government’s handling of border concerns and called for increased spending to address illegal activity at the border.
As the deadline for Trump’s tariffs on February 1 approaches, Canada’s political leaders face mounting pressure to present a coherent strategy. It is either going to be diplomatic or firm in retaliation, but the stakes are high, potentially reshaping the Canada-U.S. relationship for years to come.